The most popular fertilizers for indoor plants

Regular care is essential when growing all types of indoor flowers and plants. Fertilizing is an essential component of this care, as it strengthens the plants, improves growth, accelerates flowering, and provides nutrients. Use natural fertilizers to ensure only beneficial results and eliminate any potential harm or side effects.

Indications for feeding

Plants typically need to be fed when they're under stress—after repotting or before flowering. There are several other factors that indicate a plant needs additional nutrition:

• growth retardation;
• weakening of stems;
• wilting of leaves;
• lack of flowering or small buds;
• disease – the appearance of any defects on green mass;
• pest infestation.

The best time for fertilizing is from early March to late May, when active growth and flowering are observed. Avoid fertilizing from early fall to late winter, as the plant is dormant during this period and should not be disturbed.

10 natural fertilizers

The best fertilizer is natural. It's chemical-free, easy to use and prepare, and always on hand. And if not, you can buy it at a reasonable price at the store. Moreover, it's effective and safe, bringing exceptional benefits to your houseplant.

Granulated sugar

This sweet product contains two beneficial substances: fructose and glucose. They provide the plant with energy and improve all its vital processes. Feed the plant in one of two convenient ways:

1. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in 0.5 liters of water. Stir. Water the plant at the roots with the resulting solution.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of sugar over the soil near the plant's root system. Water generously.

After fertilizing, the plant will revive, the root system will strengthen, and more foliage and buds will appear if the plant is flowering. However, do not feed it this way more than once a month. Excess glucose and fructose can kill the root system.

Coffee

When exposed to coffee granules, the soil loosens, improving oxygen supply to plants and increasing soil acidity, both of which positively impact root development. Once every 30 days, pour used coffee grounds under azaleas, lilies, roses, and any evergreen plant.

Citrus peels

Orange, lemon, and tangerine peels will enrich the potted soil with beneficial microelements, promoting foliage growth and a lush, beautiful flower appearance. Chop the citrus peels, fill a 1-liter jar with them, and fill to the top with boiling water. Let the solution steep for 24 hours, then strain, dilute with an equal amount of clean water, and water your favorite flowers. Fertilize this way once every 20-25 days.

Ash

The byproduct of burning wood is a source of iron, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Ash contains all the nutrients necessary for the healthy growth of any plant. Dilute 1 tablespoon of this substance in 1 liter of water and mix thoroughly. Water your houseplant with the liquid fertilizer once every six months.

Yeast

Dry or fresh yeast product – a growth stimulant for all types of flowers. Contains vitamin B, phytohormones, and auxins to promote cell division and improve differentiation. Dissolve 1 g of dry or 10 g of fresh yeast in 1 liter of water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the fertilizer steep for 2 hours, then dilute with clean water at room temperature in a ratio of 1 to 5. Water the plant no more than once every 45 days.

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Onion

A cocktail made with onion peel is another simple fertilizer that stimulates growth and strengthens the root system of virtually all types of flowers and green plants. Dissolve 50 grams of onion peel in 2 liters of hot water and boil the solution for 10 minutes. Let it steep for 3 hours, strain, and spray the mixture on indoor plants before flowering.

Humus

Cow manure or bird droppings are a nutritious and easily accessible fertilizer for indoor trees such as palms, ficus, citrus, or monsteras. Dilute 10 grams of compost in 3 liters of water and stir. First, water the potted soil with plain water, then fertilize until the soil remains slightly moist. Fertilize the plant this way no more than once every 3 months.

Vegetables

After preparing your first or second course, don't rush to throw away potato or zucchini peelings, leftover cabbage, or cucumbers. Rinse and boil the scraps thoroughly, then cool and strain. Use the resulting solution to water your houseplants to provide them with nutrients. You can fertilize them this way every two weeks.

Liquid from the aquarium

If you have fish in your home, the water they live in can be a source of stimulating plant growth. It's best to use it only in spring and early summer, when leaves and shoots begin to actively grow. Spray the soil with aquarium water only once, before flowering. Overfeeding will cause the soil to become acidic or turn green.

Eggshells

Houseplants, like any other plant, need calcium to strengthen their roots and stems. It's naturally found in eggshells. To make a fertilizer, crush the eggshells and add them to the soil, or steep them in boiling water for 3-4 hours, then cool, strain, and water. Add calcium to the soil once a year.

A houseplant or flower will always bring joy to its owners if it's properly fertilized. Use only natural fertilizers, which will enrich the soil with nutrients and provide beneficial benefits. Carefully observe the dosage and frequency of application to avoid harming the plant.